House pattas to be given within 5 years to eligible SC/ST families: Minister Vanni Arasu

Minister of Social Justice Vanni Arasu. | Photo credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu said on Monday that the government’s aim is to ensure a home patta for every eligible SC/ST family in the next five years. On Monday, the minister chaired a meeting with the officials of his department.

He said the initiative to grant domestic e-pattas was among the top priorities of the government and would be implemented after consultations with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. “It is unfortunate and tragic that even decades after India’s independence, many SC/ST families still do not own a house patta. We are determined to ensure that every deserving beneficiary gets one,” the minister, representing the VCK in the TVK-led coalition government, told The Hindu on Monday.

Mr Arasu said he was confident of achieving the target as the Chief Minister made it clear that ministers should function independently, eradicate corruption at all levels and ensure clean governance. He briefly took a break from meeting the steady stream of visitors to his office to discuss his plans. People from all over the state sought help not only in matters related to the Ministry of Social Justice, but also other departments.

“Sometimes I have to personally approach the minister concerned on behalf of those who come to me seeking help,” he said. The minister said he spent weekends traveling across the state to gain first-hand knowledge of the issues on the ground.

Referring to the recommendations of the Justice Chandra Committee, set up by the previous DMK government to suggest measures to prevent caste-based and creed-based conflicts between students and college students and to promote social harmony, he said the government would implement the report. “Whenever there is caste violence, senior officials are transferred. However, junior officers who are familiar with local conditions often continue in the same police stations. We need to review the situation as caste affiliation among some police personnel may lead to such incidents being overlooked,” he said.

Asked about the KN Basha Justice Committee to recommend legislation to prevent caste-based hate crimes and so-called honor killings, Mr Arasu said the issue was also discussed at Monday’s meeting. “We are awaiting the committee’s recommendation,” he said.

The minister said that improving the condition of SC/ST hostels is another priority of the government. “I have already visited several hostels and eaten food prepared in their mess. We need to improve the facilities and living conditions,” he said.

Mr. Arasu said special attention would also be given to schools run by the ministry to prevent early school leaving. “There is a proposal to classify students into three categories – advanced, average and struggling learners. Average and struggling students will get extra attention and training,” he said.

Another important issue, he said, was access to burial ground for SC/ST communities. “At many places, they are denied access to the burial ground. There has also been encroachment on the land reserved for the burial ground. The ministry will look into these issues and work towards a solution,” he added.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 23:37 IST